In 1989, after more than 10 years in journalism Martin Powell set up a public relations agency. His journalistic career had seen him interview Margaret Thatcher, report from Ascension Island during the Falklands War and quiz Gary Glitter on his sexual habits in a hotel lobby.

He had also quizzed hundreds of business leaders and interacted with Public Relations agencies throughout the world. The new agency was pledged to be a true bridge between what journalists wanted as stories and what clients wanted to get across to the public.

Since that time the media has developed enormously with major changes in newspapers, hundreds of new television channels, new magazines and the arrival of web-based news, social media and bloggers.  In 2008 the agency was renamed Empica to reflect the way the business had adapted to cope with the media in the 21st century.

Empica combines the traditional values of the business in providing quality stories to the media while representing the best interests of its clients. Empica is the former Martin Powell Communications grown up - but not forgetting our roots.

In 2000 one of Britain's most sought after young artists, Natasha Kerr, created an eight-foot long collage encapsulating the philosophy behind Empica.

It symbolises belief in clear, straightforward communications, and our preference for bold but simple solutions, rather than expensive complex ideas. Clear, direct communication is the name of the game. It features these words - which sum up the way Empica deals with you:

Babies

When we were babies we all
Knew how to get our message across simply
Had fun and used our imagination
Played fair and had trust in others
Made logical progress step-by-step
Learned quickly from our experiences and mistakes
We never forget that we were once babies